Air India to screen all pilots for banned substances after Phuket-Delhi incident
PTC Web Desk: Air India has decided to conduct mandatory screening of all its pilots for prohibited substances and medications, going beyond the testing currently required under aviation regulations.
The airline's decision comes amid increased scrutiny of pilot fitness following the August 4 Phuket-Delhi flight incident, in which an Airbus A320 experienced a sudden altitude variation of around 300 feet while cruising.
According to an internal communication reviewed by news agency Reuters, the expanded screening of Air India's pilots will begin on Thursday.
Also Read | Positive dope test, erratic behaviour, sleep medication: Chilling details emerge on pilot of turbulence-hit Air India flight
The airline's move comes as Indian aviation authorities examine whether the existing system for detecting psychoactive-substance use among pilots needs to be strengthened.
Under the new internal measure, Air India pilots will be screened for substances and medications prohibited under prevailing regulations.
The decision puts the airline's internal safety measures ahead of the minimum requirements currently prescribed by aviation authorities.
It also comes after one of the pilots involved in the Phuket-Delhi incident returned a positive result during mandatory psychoactive-substance testing.
The incident involved Air India flight AI2379, an Airbus A320 operating from Phuket to Delhi on August 4. The aircraft was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, along with eight crew members.
During the flight, the aircraft experienced a sudden altitude variation of approximately 300 feet. The aircraft later stabilised and landed safely in Delhi. Twenty passengers and four cabin crew members were injured, according to the latest official figures. Both pilots underwent mandatory psychoactive-substance screening after the incident.
The Civil Aviation Ministry said the initial test of the pilot-in-command indicated a positive result. A confirmatory test conducted at a designated laboratory also returned positive for marijuana.
Both pilots were subsequently removed from flying duties while the investigation and testing process continued.
The pilot's positive test has now prompted the government to examine India's existing framework for testing pilots and other aviation personnel for psychoactive substances.
The Civil Aviation Ministry has asked the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to review the current dope-testing system. The review will also consider testing procedures followed in other countries and whether India's existing rules need to be strengthened or revised.
Under the present DGCA framework, aviation personnel who test positive for psychoactive substances are referred for rehabilitation.
A second positive test can result in suspension of a licence for three years, while a third violation can lead to cancellation of the licence. The government is now assessing whether these measures are sufficient.
Sources have indicated that stricter testing, stronger enforcement and tougher punishment for confirmed violations are among the options being examined.
- With inputs from agencies
